The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.
At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration - to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.
The Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges.
The Systems Integration and Test Office (SITO), the place Aerospace goes for integration and test, is currently looking for a Senior Project Engineer in Aerospace locations supporting the National Capital Region. This position entails supporting programs executed in multiple regions, including but not limited to satellite programs, ground systems, small satellite experimentation, prototyping, and rapid acquisition; nuclear weapons design and acquisition; nuclear weapons security and non-proliferation.
The position will be managed out of SITO and tasked by the program office as a matrixed position. This will require the candidate to work collaboratively with acquisition and modernization program staff to fully leverage the Aerospace Corporation's technical capabilities in all relevant areas to best support the program office. This construct links to applicant to the engineering expertise in Aerospace while directly supporting the customer.
SITO is the Aerospace Engineering Technology Group (ETG) source of expertise in Systems Integration - including technology insertion, and system engineering applied to operationally realistic tests. SITO staff support all program phases from pre-contract assistance with concepts of operation, integration planning, system test planning, design and development activities followed by build, integration, verification, and transition to operations events. This position represents a significant career opportunity to grow the division tasking and be part of innovating solutions to customer challenges.
WORK MODEL:
This position enables a hybrid work schedule which requires at least 3 days per week in an office depending on customer needs and requirements
What You'll Be Doing
* Provide technical leadership in systems engineering to support requirements gathering, concept development, and analysis of alternatives
* Guide the front-end systems engineering and integration functions that span a mission enterprise
* Perform objective analysis of systems-of-systems, space, ground, launch, or Command and Control (C2) systems
* Design solutions to complex problems by interfacing and collaborating with industry leaders and subject matter experts
* Strengthen programs by performing independent program assessments
* Improve acquisition and operational outcomes by developing innovative, fit-to-need program approaches with supporting analytical planning products
* Balance and actively contribute to multiple work assignments
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
Engineering Specialist
* Bachelor's degree from an accredited program in engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, or related technical discipline
* 6 years relative experience
* Familiarity with systems engineering activities, to include system requirements and concept of operations development, architectural trade-offs, risk and opportunity identification, readiness review principles, integration and verification planning and execution
* Familiarity with program management activities, to include program planning, budgeting, acquisition planning, and analyzing cost, schedule, and performance
* Knowledge of systems-of-systems, space, ground, launch, or C2 systems
* Ability to work in a proactive, self-motivated, and self-directed manner
* Ability to develop project plans, contribute to high-impact work, and balance schedule commitments
* Willing to travel as necessary for work assignments
* This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, as determined by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
Sr. Engineering Specialist
* Master's degree from an accredited program in engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, or related technical discipline
* 12 years relative and progressive experience
* Demonstrated program management and systems engineering experience with systems-of-systems, space, atmospheric vehicles, software, hardware, networks, launch, C2, or commercial systems
* Ability to successfully present complex technical material to senior Department of Defense (DoD) and other U.S. government officials
* Proven capability to be flexible, adaptable; able to handle and perform multiple simultaneous tasks in a multifaceted environment
* Experience leading and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams - potentially including U.S. government, Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) contractor, development contractor, and other Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) personnel - all while actively participating in the development of the product or service and mentoring others on your area of expertise
* This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmentalized Information (TS/SCI) security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Engineering Specialist or Sr. Engineering Specialist
* Advanced degree from an accredited program in an applicable field
* Operational experience linking strategic objectives with tactics, techniques, and procedures
* Experience applying digital engineering to an acquisition program
* Experience with modern development methodologies, rapid prototyping / fielding (Middle Tier Acquisition)
* Experience providing technical risk assessments
* Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Engineering and Technical Management Certification or other relevant certification
* Object Management Group (OMG) Certified Systems Modeling Professional (OCSMP) System Modeling Language (SysML) Model User Certification
We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Max)
$117,300 - $226,900 Pay Basis: AnnualLeadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:
- Operate Strategically
- Lead Change
- Engage with Impact
- Foster Innovation
- Deliver Results
Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:
Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion,genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at You can also review Know Your Rights : Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.